A few week ago Beth sent me a package of candied ginger. I wasn't sure what I would do with it so I thought I might just munch on it...have you ever tried it?? Boy, does it have a bite to it! I don't think that will become my snack of choice. So, while flipping through some old magazines, I came across this cookie and knew that it would be perfect to use the ginger and this weeks cookie.Yes, we are at week 4 of cookies and I am still just as excited each week as the first to see what everyone comes up with. This cookie was not at all what I expected, but you know what? I love it! It is kind of like a spiced up shortbread, but soft and chewy in the middle. And you know, I really like the bits of the ginger in them. I will be making them again and think I will add a little more of the chopped candied ginger.
Candied Ginger Butter Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups all purpose flour
2 Tbsp crystallized ginger, finely chopped
2 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 tsp shortening
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Beat until combined, scraping bowl occasionally. Beat in the ground ginger, the cinnamon, and salt until combined. Using a wooden spoon, gradually stir in flour and the crystallized ginger.
Divide dough in half. On the prepared cookie sheet, press one portion of dough into a 10x2 1/2 inch rectangle. Bake for 22 to 24 minutes or until top is golden brown and edges are set. Cool on cookie sheet for 10 minutes. Cut rectangle crosswise into 1/2 inch wide sticks. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Melt the chocolate and shortening in a small bowl in the microwave until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let stand until the chocolate sets.
Week 4 Twelve Weeks of Christmas:
32 comments:
Yum, I love nibbling on candied ginger. These cookies must really be delicious with the spiced up flavors and the little bits of ginger.
How nice of Beth to send you candied ginger. I'm sure it adds a great flavor to your cookies.
They look delicious! Love the drizzle of chocolate on top.
Your cookies look like beauties! They sound delicious!
No I know what to do with some my bag! YUMMMY!!!!
I discovered candied ginger a few years ago when I was making a recipe of Double Ginger cookies. I loved how they tasted in the cookies, but not so much how they tasted by themselves. But boy were they a pain to mince up, so sticky! I love the chocolate drizzle on these, mmm.
I love crystallized ginger, and like Lisa I enjoy nibbling on it. I always have to have it on hand. I just made some granola and added it to that. I also have a wonderful shortbread with crystallized ginger cookie recipe that I have to make every Christmas. I also added it to the ginger molasses cookies that I made for Martha Mondays! It is also good in a plum crisp! Now I have a new recipe to use it in, these look good, especially with the chocolate.
This is totally right up my alley! Going on my list... :-))
these sound AWESOME! nothing says fall like a spicy sweet treat :)
Oooo, I like ginger but straight like this is too much for me.
Happy Friday!
~ingrid
What a great way to use candied ginger! I had the same reaction the first time I tried it. It was way too strong!
Those look really pretty and I'm sure taste yummy. Not sure I could eat plain candied ginger, but I do like it IN things.
These are lovely cookies. Drizzle always improves the look.
Oh these sound amazing! I love the little kick of spice from the candied ginger!
I agree with you; I can't just snack on candied ginger. Love using it in cookies though and these sound great!
I was really curious about candied ginger and bought a small package, because I wanted to try a muffin recipe using it. I haven't even opened it yet, but it certainly looks like it adds some interesting flavor.
I have been seeing candied ginger a lot lately. I need to go find some because these cookies sound amazing.
These look lovely - fine textured interlaced with candied ginger pieces. I love the spice!
I've never made anything with candied ginger...come to think of it I don't think I've ever had it... I'm going to add this cookie to my "to do" list. This cookie looks very elegant!
I have never tried candied ginger, but I am curious to now! I like things with a little bite to them now and then! Your cookies sound amazing!
Yowza! Candied ginger isn't much of a snack in itself - but the sure can add a mighty nice twang to certain recipes.
I have one recipe for buttermilk scones with candied ginger. The buttermilk adds a cool, smooth feel (even when they're hot out of the overn) and the the ginger has that characteristic bite. When I really want to go wild I add slivered almonds, too.
Also, sometimes I go to Whole Foods Market and get a hankering for a nice piece of dark chocolate. There's a brand called "Chocolove" that includes crystallized ginger in it. So once again you've got the smooth, silkiness of the dark chocolate and you've got the heat and the bite of the ginger. A great combination.
http://dmmfoodie.wordpress.com/
I am betting the flavor is just wonderful! perfect choice for the upcoming season.
Oh my goodness! Chocolate + ginger = perfect holiday goodness! I bet these would be excellent for a cup of afternoon tea. Thanks for sharing--these are definitely bookmarked!
.......yep. Late but here.
http://thehappysorceress.blogspot.com/2010/10/blog-post_23.html
I just love the looks and description of these cookies you give April!
/that looks great. i love the recipe.
these look beautiful! One of these days maybe I will get over my fear of candied ginger and make something like this!
i think the candied ginger would really add zesty bursts of flavour and texture into this cookies. yumm!
I cant wait to try these... ginger is one of my favorite flavors!
I love spicy and chewy treats! These seem perfect!
I've never worked with candied ginger. It looks like you found a perfect cookie for it. Another great cookie.
This looks delicious. I've got some ginger too, now I know where I'm going to use it :D
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